Global Village Dubai 2026-27: Tickets, Timings, Parking and What’s New in Season 31

The cheapest way into Global Village this season is a Monday-to-Thursday ticket at AED 25. Sunday now costs AED 30, which may catch out regulars. That’s the first thing to know about Global Village Dubai 2026-27; the rest of this guide covers timings, where to park for free, the buses, and what’s new in Season 31.

Quick answer: Global Village Season 31 opened on 14 October 2026 and runs until May 2027. It’s open 4pm to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, and 4pm to 1am Thursday to Saturday and on public holidays. Tickets are AED 25 Monday to Thursday (not public holidays) or AED 30 for any day. Under-3s, seniors over 65 and People of Determination plus one companion go free.

Global Village Dubai 2026-27 tickets and timings

There are two tickets. The weekday ticket is AED 25 and works Monday to Thursday, but not on public holidays. The AED 30 any-day ticket is valid on any day, including Fridays to Sundays and public holidays. Both tickets cover entry only, so rides are paid for separately. Last season the cheaper ticket covered Sunday too, so if Sunday evening was your habit, it now costs AED 5 more per person. You can buy at the gate or through the official app and website, and you can upgrade a weekday ticket to an any-day ticket at the ticket booth by paying the difference.

Entry is free for children under three, seniors over 65, and People of Determination with their ID card plus one companion.

Opening hours are 4pm to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, and 4pm to 1am from Thursday to Saturday and on public holidays. Entry gates close half an hour before closing time, so arrive by 11.30pm from Sunday to Wednesday, or by 12.30am from Thursday to Saturday and on public holidays.

One rule catches groups of friends out: Tuesdays are reserved for ladies, families and couples, except on public holidays. On Tuesdays, men can only enter with their family or partner, so groups of male friends should pick another day.

Getting there: free parking and buses

Driving is the easiest way in for most families, and there’s plenty of free parking if you don’t mind a short walk.

• P1 and P3: free, about 400m from the Gate of the World.
• P5: free, about 450m from the Gate of the World.
• P7 to P11: free, open at weekends, on public holidays and on busy days, about 1km from the Cultural Gate. There’s a free shuttle, or a rickshaw from AED 10.
• Paid Parking 2: AED 75 a day, about 350m from the Happiness Gate.
• Paid Parking: AED 120 a day.
• VIP Parking: AED 200 a day, free for VIP pack holders.

Our advice: P1 and P3 fill up in the evening, so arriving close to 4pm helps. After 7pm on a Friday or Saturday, head straight for the overflow car parks and take the shuttle rather than circling.

No car? RTA runs four bus routes. Route 102 runs from Al Rashidiya Bus Station (near Centrepoint metro), 103 from Union Bus Station, 104 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and 106 from Mall of the Emirates Bus Station. Route 103 runs every 40 minutes and routes 102, 104 and 106 every 60 minutes, so check the last bus back before you settle in for dinner. Pay with a Nol card, and check the fare for your journey on rta.ae or the S’hail app before you travel. For stops and timetables, call RTA on 800 9090 or use the S’hail app.

What’s new in Season 31

This season has 29 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, and around 40,000 shows are planned.

• Pavilions: Sri Lanka now has its own pavilion (last season it was part of Bangladesh), and the Russia pavilion now includes Azerbaijan. Syria and Kuwait return with new façades.
• Shows: new this season are Fast Live 2: The Police Strike Back, a stunt show; Bollywood Idol, a music and storytelling show; and Bank Heist, an acrobatic production.
• Rides: Tokyo Rush, a new roller coaster with a loop, is due to open later in the season. No opening date had been announced when we checked, so don’t promise it to the kids just yet. The Festival Wheel returns with refreshed carts.
• Food: a new Turkish restaurant, three new cafés and new places to eat at Restaurant Plaza. See what to eat below.
• For families: a new Kids Passport lets children collect stamps as they visit pavilions, and Gardens of the World returns with a refreshed design.
• VIP parking: you can now pay at self-payment machines before you reach the exit.

Pavilions, food and a sensible plan

You won’t see everything in one visit, and you shouldn’t try. Pick a side of the park, do three or four pavilions properly, and eat as you go. The food is half the reason people come back; go hungry and share plates so you can try more.

Inside the park there are also two electric abras on the waterways, which give your feet a break and a different view of the pavilions after dark.

What to eat at Global Village

• Restaurant Plaza: beside Carnaval, looking out over the Falcon Stage. New here this season are Robo Al Sham (Levantine), Hawawshi Al Rabie (Egyptian) and Chicking (fried chicken).
• Trabzon Turkish Restaurant: new this season, and a good choice for a proper sit-down Turkish meal.
• New cafés: Vinci Dolci, Emir Bey Gourmet and Uzungol Café, good for a coffee break between pavilions.
• Dessert District: back with a refreshed look, and an easy place to finish the evening.

You can’t bring your own food or drink into the park.

A suggested evening at Global Village

1. 4pm: arrive while parking is easier to find, and start with the pavilions nearest your gate.
2. 5.30pm: browse the market stalls and try some street food, or sit down at Restaurant Plaza.
3. 7pm: catch a show, or head to Carnaval for rides (paid separately).
4. 8.30pm: walk through the pavilions after dark, then finish with something sweet at Dessert District.

An example plan, not an official schedule. Check the Global Village app for show times.

Rides and attractions: budget extra

Your entry ticket gets you in, but Carnaval rides and the ticketed attractions are paid for separately. Returning favourites include The Dragon Kingdom, The Horror Hotel, Secrets of the Lost City and Exo Planet City. If you have children, agree on a ride budget before you walk in. It saves a lot of negotiation by the carousel.

Rules worth knowing

Pets aren’t allowed, and nor are wheeled devices such as scooters, bicycles, skateboards and roller skates unless you rent them inside the park. Filming for personal use is fine; if you’re filming for a brand, the media or a social media channel, ask Global Village about a permit first. Dress modestly: men and women both need to cover their shoulders and knees. Costumes and character outfits aren’t allowed, including masks and other costume face coverings. Kissing, hugging and other public displays of affection aren’t permitted.

Our verdict: when to go

If you can, go Monday to Thursday (Tuesdays are for ladies, families and couples only), arrive at 4pm, park free in P1 or P3, and leave before the late crowd. You pay AED 25, see the pavilions in daylight and after dark, and you’re home at a reasonable hour. Save Friday or Saturday for when you want the full buzz and don’t mind a walk from the car.

For more ideas for the cooler months, see our winter favourites in Dubai and our guide to the best parks for winter in Dubai.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Global Village: plan your visit (opening hours, Tuesday rule, parking)
• Global Village: entry terms and conditions (tickets, free entry, gate times, park rules)
• WAM: Global Village to kick off Season 31 with new attractions
• Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) (Nol fares and journey planning)
• Khaleej Times: RTA announces 4 bus routes to key transport hubs (bus routes and frequencies)
• Khaleej Times: Global Village ticket prices announced ahead of Season 31 (Sunday pricing change)
• Khaleej Times: what to expect at Global Village Season 31 (pavilion changes, new shows)
• Gulf News: RTA announces four bus routes and the return of electric abras

Information checked on 5 November 2026.